Top-ranked Americans to face South Africa on May 12 at Levi's Stadium

Share this:

Team USA forward Alex Morgan (13) kicks a goal against Canada midfielder Maegan Kelly (20) in the second half at the Avaya Stadium in San Jose, Calif. on Sunday, November 12, 2017. (Josie Lepe/Bay Area News Group)

SANTA CLARA – The top-ranked U.S. women’s soccer team is returning to the Bay Area ahead of another World Cup run.

The Americans will play host to South Africa on May 12 at Levi’s Stadium as part of the buildup to the Women’s World Cup in France, U.S. Soccer announced Thursday. Tickets for the game are scheduled to go on sale to the public at 10 a.m. Dec. 13 through ussoccer.com.

The defending champion U.S. team has scheduled 10 games next year ahead of the World Cup, June 7 to July 7.

“This schedule checks a lot of important boxes in our preparation for the World Cup,” U.S. coach Jill Ellis said in a statement. “We’ll get to experience a variety of teams in regard to their strengths and styles of play and almost all of the countries will be in their World Cup preparation as well.”

Four years ago, the Americans defeated Ireland 3-0 at Avaya Stadium in a tuneup before heading to Canada where they won their World Cup title. The U.S. women have played four friendlies in the South Bay since the Earthquakes opened Avaya Stadium in 2015.

But this will be the team’s first appearance at 68,500-seat Levi’s, one of the stadiums being considered to have a role in the 2026 men’s World Cup.

The stadium has held the 2017 Gold Cup final between the United States and Jamaica and the opener of the ‘16 Copa America Centenario as well as international games involving Argentina, Chile, Mexico, Manchester United and FC Barcelona.

The Women’s World Cup draw is scheduled for Saturday in Paris when the 24 teams will learn their group opponents.

No. 50 South Africa has qualified for the first time as well as Chile, Jamaica and Scotland.

The United States will face seven teams who have qualified for the ‘19 World Cup, opening the year Jan. 19 at fourth-ranked France.